Mechanical and Microstructural Analysis of Al 6061 Hybrid Composite Reinforced with SiC, TiC and Marble Dust

Abstract

In the present study, hybrid aluminum metal matrix composites containing Silicon Carbide (SiC), Titanium Carbide (TiC), and Marble Dust is fabricated using the stir casting technique and systematically investigated. A Taguchi L9 orthogonal array is employed to optimize the reinforcement combinations and to evaluate their effect on mechanical performance. Hardness and compression tests were conducted to assess deformation resistance and compressive load-bearing capability. The experimental data show improvement in both hardness and compressive strength with an increase in the amount of reinforcement, with a hardness increase from 29.83 HRA to 51.3 HRA and the compressive strength reaching to 412 MPa, while maintaining acceptable density levels from 2.78 g/cm3 to 2.9 g/cm3. Compression testing using 0.2% offset method showed improvement in resistance to yielding under compressive loading. Microstructural analysis performed by scanning electron microscopy indicated a homogeneous distribution of reinforcement particles and a higher density of the matrix phase with an increase in the amount of reinforcement, and energy-dispersive spectroscopy confirmed a homogeneous distribution of elements. The X-ray diffraction analysis showed the stable phases of aluminum, SiC, TiC, and marble dust without the presence of harmful intermetallic compounds. The data demonstrate the potential of marble dust as a sustainable reinforcement material for aluminum matrix composites, as well as the synergistic effect of strengthening.